Hiram Soto

Opinion by HIRAM SOTO posted 06.02.2025 OPINION – As Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” squeaked by with a one-vote margin in Congress, I am thinking about California Representatives Darrell Issa, Young Kim, and David Valadao, who voted yes to starve their constituents and take away their health care. These devastating cuts to Medicaid will touch every corner of our state – the elderly, people with disabilities, and families who need food assistance. I see what’s at stake every day with my dad.

On Jan. 14, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors faced a crucial decision: appoint or hold a special election for Nora Vargas’ replacement. In a unanimous vote, they chose democracy -– letting the people decide. The Poway City Council should do the same when they hold their next council meeting, on Jan. 21. The county’s decision wasn’t just about one seat.

On Jan. 14, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will face a pivotal decision: whether to hold a special election or appoint a replacement for Supervisor Chair Nora Vargas, who abruptly resigned last month. The choice should be to hold a special election and allow the people of that district to decide who should represent them. This decision isn’t just about one seat.